An investigation by the Blountstown Police Department led to a raid at a residence at Sutton Creek Apartments Friday morning. Ofc. Timothy Partridge of the BPD served a search warrant on the apartment where Alexander Raya, 37, and his wife, Ginger Peacock, 34, reside. He was joined by Major Rodney Smith and Ofc. Scotty Norris of the BPD, David Cox of the Florida Highway Patrol, Sgt. Mark Mallory of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, and Inv. Todd Wheetley of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office.

A plastic bag of marijuana was found between the bed in the bedroom shared by Raya and Peacock. A set of digital scales and five bags of marijuana were discovered in the bedroom closet, along with a 12 gauge shotgun. The marijuana weighed an estimated 30 grams.

The couple was not home at the time of the search, but were later located and interviewed. Raya, who is a convicted felon, reportedly said the gun and drugs were his, but his wife knew he was selling marijuana. He further stated his wife purchased the gun for him since he could not buy one due to the fact he is a convicted felon. Raya said the gun was just for hunting purposes. Peacock was also interviewed, but denied any knowledge of the marijuana. Due to the fact the drugs were found in common areas of the apartment and her husband’s statement she was aware of the marijuana, Peacock was also arrested.

Both Raya and Peacock were charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a public housing facility and possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. Raya was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The second case occurred Sunday morning just before noon when Maj. Rodney Smith spotted a vehicle run a stop sign at the intersection of Fannin and Main Street and alerted Inv. Timothy Partridge who initiated a traffic stop. The driver was identified as Marcus Dewayne Cloud, 34, and appeared extremely nervous. While speaking with Cloud, Inv.

Partridge smelled raw marijuana and Cloud consented to a search. Chief Glenn Kimbrel and Maj. Smith arrived on the scene to assist. Maj. Smith noticed a plastic bag poking out of Cloud’s shorts. Cloud reportedly became defensive and tried to conceal the bag. The investigators seized it and discovered four ounces of marijuana inside.

A search warrant was obtained for Cloud’s Pear Street residence, leading to the discovery of another bag of marijuana weighing six grams, a set of digital scales, $6440 in cash, and five boxes of sandwich bags.

Cloud was charged with possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.